Tyler ISD has been awarded a $186,830 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. The funding will be used to purchase necessary equipment for the district's new Electrical Technology program, which began during the 2026-27 school year. Offered through Tyler ISD’s Career & Technology Center, the program introduces more than 100 students enrolled in its inaugural year to the electrical trades, establishing a pathway toward careers in a high-demand field.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford emphasized the program’s role in student development and community workforce needs. Crawford stated that the Electrical Technology program provides students with an opportunity to discover their interests and develop them into future careers. He added that the grant helps equip students with practical tools, connecting classroom learning with skills for building a career, and described it as an investment in both students and the long-term workforce supporting the community.
The new Electrical Technology program is designed to expand options for students interested in exploring skilled trades while still in high school. It aims to prepare them for immediate employment and further training, with instruction structured to support progression toward industry credentials and post-secondary education. The program’s launch directly addresses a need for qualified professionals in the electrical sector within East Texas.
As part of this initiative, Tyler ISD has established a partnership with Tyler Junior College (TJC). This collaboration connects the high school instruction with opportunities for continued higher education in electrical technology. Specifically, the partnership offers a pathway for junior and senior students to attend half-day instruction at TJC West. Through this arrangement, students can complete coursework toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical/Electronic Controls Technology, earning college credit while still attending high school. This option provides students a significant head start on their technical education and career preparation.
Jarrod Bitter, Executive Director of College and Career, highlighted the practical benefits of the grant funding. Bitter explained that students require opportunities to "practice with the equipment and apply the concepts they are learning." He noted that the funding from the JET grant will facilitate building this essential experience into the new electrical technology program, enabling students to develop their skills, explore the trade comprehensively, and understand the potential directions of this career pathway.
The $186,830 award to Tyler ISD is part of a broader statewide effort. In 2026, the Texas Workforce Commission distributed more than $20 million in JET grants to 84 recipients across Texas. These grants are specifically designated to support the acquisition of equipment for career and technical education programs that prepare students for occupations identified as high-demand within the state’s workforce.
Looking ahead, Tyler ISD plans to continue its collaboration with Tyler Junior College as the Electrical Technology program develops and expands. This ongoing partnership will focus on connecting students with further training opportunities that align with their career goals and effectively meet the evolving workforce needs of East Texas.
